...when I need an attitude adjustment is Gospel Bluegrass. Unlike contemporary Christian music, gospel bluegrass has lyrics that are quite direct and usually refer to time in the past where Christianity was taken for granted as being mainstream.

Most country and bluegrass artists will eventually record a gospel album, so therre is no lack of choice in choosing an album. It can range from old time gospel quartet type, such as the Bass Mountain Boys, all the way to the more modern sounds ofRon Block (of the Allison Krause band).

On the urban gospel fron all I have is Kirk Franklin's "Hero" album. Kirk is not your typical cookie cutter type of "Halleluia, thank you JESUS!" singer. In fact, he does very little singing but instead uses mostly choral singing featuring other mainstream gospel artists as soloists. Kirk's thing is that he talks over the quieter sections of the songs, sort of like preaching a 10-15 second sermon, to add emphasis to the mesage of the music. Most of the times it comes off well, but there ARE some self indulgent moments, such as in one song where he voice overs "This song is dedicated to people like ME...". Mildly amusing.

FINALLY, there is Reliant K, a Christian SKA band. This is what happens when you have a 14 yr. old daughter in the house, it's HER music, but I LIKE it. The guitar is used as a sonic weapon and the vocals are shouted rather than sung, but sometimes the lyrics are clever and pointed so the listener doesn't get the sense of being assaulted by noise. The Grouchmate HATES it, Kidgrouch has tired of it, but I still listen!